The 30 best men’s colognes to suit every budget and taste

Our beauty team's pick of the best fresh, woody, and musky men's colognes – with expert tips to help you choose

Three of the best mens colognes by Chanel, acqua di parma and burberry
(Image credit: Future/brands)

The best men’s cologne can be a contentious conversation. Why? Because the smells we are drawn to, and the fragrances we buy involve many individual choices. A scent can provoke personal memories, and when you want to draw on certain emotions, one specific aroma might be what takes you there.

Just as with the best perfume for women, picking the best men's cologne can be as simple as favoring a certain brand because they’ve never let you down before. Maybe you know that flower fragrances or rose perfume will always hit the spot. Or it might simply be because we like the way a bottle looks, and there’s nothing wrong with that either. 

Either way, rounding up the best male fragrances out there is a job worth doing because those boys are notoriously tricky to buy for. Whether you're looking for 50th birthday gift ideas, an anniversary treat, or prefer traditionally 'masculine' notes yourself, you can never go wrong with a bottle of something that smells wonderful. But where to begin? 

How we selected the best men's cologne for this guide

Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

A selection of the men's cologne we tried for this guide

A selection of the men's cologne we tried for this guide

(Image credit: Fiona McKim)

Fragrance is famously subjective, and the same scent can smell different depending on who is wearing it, so there really is no foolproof methodology for 'testing' scents. Instead, the w&h beauty team has used our expert knowledge of the fragrance industry to compile this guide. 

We have included known crowdpleasers and niche, under-the-radar picks as well as our own personal favorites. Every cologne in this edit has been personally sniffed and hand-picked by us to ensure there is a buy for every budget and a scent to suit every style. To help you navigate, we've divided our guide into four fragrance types:

  • Heavy and woody: Powerful and aromatic with notes of sandalwood, resins, and cedarwood. The best oud perfumes fall into this category, as do perfumes with patchouli and classic wood scents Aramis and Dior Homme.
  • Sparkling citrus: Zippy and zesty with citrus fruits or botanicals like neroli and bergamot. If he likes Clinique Happy or Acqua di Parma Colonia he'll love these.
  • Musky and sexy: Warming, heady, and a little bit comforting musk-based scents will be right for fans of iconic cologne 4711 by Muelhens or Burberry Touch.
  • Fresh and aromatic: Clean-smelling, with green botanicals and ocean-inspired notes. Tom Ford Neroli Portofino and Davidoff Cool Water are great examples.

The best men's cologne, as chosen by our experts

Heavy and woody

Burberry Hero

(Image credit: Burberry)

1. Burberry Hero EDT

Best woody men's cologne overall

Specifications

RRP : $99/£76 for 100ml
Fragrance style: aromatic woody
Key notes: cedarwood, juniper, black pepper

Reasons to buy

+
Understated
+
Modern but feels like a classic
+
Classy bottle

Reasons to avoid

-
Might not be strong enough for everyone

If you judge a fragrance on how it looks and the advertising imagery surrounding it, then you'd be hard pushed to not fall head over heels with this new scent from Burberry. The face of the fragrance is the inimitable Adam Driver and the advert sees him running on the beach alongside a horse. And all of that is also reflected in the scent. It has an energetic edge to it, probably thanks to the bergamot and black pepper but there is a heavy earthiness in it too. This would suit anyone who wants to smell sophisticated and unique but doesn't necessarily want their scent to be the center of attention, It’s polished but also a bit raw at the same time. 

Chanel Bleu de Chanel Parfum

(Image credit: Chanel)

2. Chanel Bleu de Chanel Parfum

Best luxury woody men’s cologne

Specifications

RRP: $155/ £113 for 100ml
Fragrance style: woody citrus
Key notes: cedar, sandalwood, lemon zest

Reasons to buy

+
There is no dud Chanel fragrance
+
Satisfying magnetic lid 
+
Long-lasting on skin

Reasons to avoid

-
Some might find it a bit overpowering

After the overwhelming success of the eau de toilette and eau de parfum, it is probably no surprise Chanel created a parfum version to complete the Bleu set. It has all the familiarity of the other versions but with more cedar notes running through it, which makes it slightly heavier and potent as you would expect of a parfum. However, there is still also some lightness thanks to the lemon zest, which makes this a fragrance that can be worn equally comfortably in the height of summer as the depths of winter. 

Calvin Klein Defy EDT

(Image credit: Calvin Klein)

3. Calvin Klein Defy EDT

Best budget woody men’s cologne

Specifications

RRP: $70/£60 for 100ml
Fragrance style: woody and zesty
Key notes: bergamot, lavender absolute, vetiver oil

Reasons to buy

+
Set to become iconic
+
Works for both casual and formal occasions
+
Fresh top notes

Reasons to avoid

-
Others will be wearing it too

If there’s any brand that does the high-low mix well, it’s Calvin Klein and this fragrance is typical of that. It is a woody scent, but it has a freshness to it that prevents it from being too heady.  It’s low-key enough to be worn with a simple white tee and jeans (as the star of the ad campaign, actor Richard Madden does) making it a great choice for the more casual man in your life, but also works equally well with a tux and a tie and when formality is required. 

Hugo Boss Boss Bottled EDP

(Image credit: Hugo Boss)

4. Hugo Boss Boss Bottled EDP

Best mass market men's woody cologne

Specifications

RRP: $99/£76 for 100ml
Fragrance style: spicy and woody
Key notes: chestnut, cardamom and dark vetiver

Reasons to buy

+
It will suit every man in your life
+
A classic scent that will never go out of style
+
Nice and spicy

Reasons to avoid

-
They may already have it

If you’re looking for the ‘everyman’ of male fragrances, then Boss Bottled may be it. This eau de parfum version is a little punchier and stronger than the original eau de toilette. The bottle follows the classic design, but the juice inside has been slightly refined to have stronger spicy notes of cardamom. This is cut through with a slight sweetness of apple and cinnamon all with dark vetiver providing the long-lasting sexy aroma that lingers. It is strong but not overwhelming and sophisticated without being too OTT. If you're worried about how to buy fragrance online for a gift when you can't actually smell it, this ticks so many boxes it would be a safe choice.

D'Orsay Dandy or not GA

(Image credit: D'Orsay)

5. D'Orsay Dandy or not G.A.

The best boutique woody mens cologne

Specifications

RRP: $120 / £110 for 50ml
Fragrance style: Smoky
Key notes: Cedarwood, patchouli, orange blossom

Reasons to buy

+
Chic, luxurious fragrance 
+
Not everyone will be wearing it
+
Works for day and night
+
Long-lasting on skin

Reasons to avoid

-
An investment price

If you, or the person you are buying for, loves having their very own signature scent then D'orsay Dandy or Not could be the one. A modern scent from a heritage French perfumery brand, this was designed to evoke freedom and self-expression, and we can agree it smells beautifully unique.

While the main thrust of the scent comes from sexy, smoky, grown-up notes such as leather, cedarwood, and patchouli, it also contains lighter orange blossom which means it works just as nicely for daytime as it does evening. Good job it does, as we find that one spritz of this lasts all day. While this isn't necessarily a mainstream brand that's recognizable, that's all part of the appeal - it smells intense and luxurious, and you could be almost certain nobody else you know would be wearing it. 

Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club EDT

(Image credit: Maison Margiela)

6. Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club EDT

The best modern woody mens cologne

Specifications

RRP: $72/£49 for 30ml
Fragrance style: sweet and smoky
Key notes: tobacco, rum, pink pepper

Reasons to buy

+
Evocative and unique
+
Great value 
+
Not overpowering

Reasons to avoid

-
May be a little sweet for some

Replica is an excellent line of fragrances from uber-cool designer brand Maison Margiela, all designed to evoke an exact place and time. This one, of course, is meant to smell like a Brooklyn Jazz Club in 2013, which means tobacco smoke, sweet rum cocktails, and a racy peppery over-note to balance things out. As well as being a cool concept and appealing scent, we love how well-priced this cologne is compared with many other niche lines that run into the hundreds. Although the rum note is undeniably sweet, which won't suit everyone, the overall impression of the fragrance is grown-up enough to get away with it. 

Diptyque Orphéon

(Image credit: Diptyque)

7. Diptyque Orphéon

Best niche woody men's cologne

Specifications

RRP: $188/ £125 for 75ml
Fragrance style: sensual woody
Key notes: cedar, juniper, mastic and galbanum

Reasons to buy

+
Master craftsmanship
+
Totally unique
+
Gorgeous bottle

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be too eclectic

Behind every Diptyque scent is a story that gives even more meaning and understanding to what you smell. Orphéon was a nightclub bar not far from the location of the first Diptyque boutique in Paris. The notes in the fragrance all represent a different element of the club. There is cedar and vetiver to bring to life the old coffee tables and dance floor. Juniper and lemon are in there to conjure up gin fizz cocktails, while mastic and galbanum add a leathery note like tobacco and cigars. Then there’s powdery ylang-ylang, which represents the women that would frequent the club and amber for the men. The effect is heady, intoxicating and a scent like no other, which makes it all the more special. 

Best men's cologne from Byredo

(Image credit: Byredo)

8. BYREDO Mixed Emotions Eau de Parfum

Best unique woody men's cologne

Specifications

RRP: $196/£127 for 50ml
Fragrance style: Woody aromatic
Key notes: Mate, ceylon black tea, birch woods

Reasons to buy

+
Addictive and unique
+
Smells familiar and comforting
+
It evolves as it dries down

Reasons to avoid

-
It's a complex scent that's not for all

Landing on our shelves in 2021, Mixed Emotions from Byredo is inspired by the tumultuous times around its launch date. “I hope that people read the label and identify with that sentiment in its simplest form, and then find something deeper to relate to the juxtaposition between the familiar and the unfamiliar,” says Ben Gorham, founder and creative director of Byredo. A comforting scent, sweet blackcurrant hits you first, before it evolves into a warming cup of tea that eventually dries down to a smoky bonfire. It's utterly addictive and will have you coming back for more. 

Best men's cologne from Le Labo

(Image credit: Le Labo)

9. Le Labo Thé Matcha 26

Best understated woody men's cologne

Specifications

RRP: $289/£200 for 100ml
Fragrance style: Soft woody
Key notes: Matcha tea, fig, vetiver, cedar wood

Reasons to buy

+
Soft comforting scent
+
Not overpowering
+
A great scent for day

Reasons to avoid

-
Not strong or long wearing

If you’re looking for cool yet understated, turn your nose to Le Labo’s latest launch: Thé Matcha. Described as a ‘skin scent’, this fragrance is designed to mirror the clean, soft scent of your skin that can only be detected by those who are close by. Far from overpowering, this scent is quietly present and ideal for everyday wear. In terms of the fragrance itself, it is inspired by Japanese Matcha tea with, you guessed it, Matcha tea accord laced with creamy fig, soft vetiver, and warming cedar woods. If we had to describe this fragrance in one word, it would be grounding. 

Best men's cologne from Givenchy

(Image credit: Givenchy)

10. Givenchy Gentleman Réserve Privée Eau de Parfum

Best floral woody men's cologne

Specifications

RRP: $86/£91 for 100ml
Fragrance style: Floral woody
Key notes: Cedarwood, vetiver, chestnut, orris concrete, benzoin siam, bergamot essence, whisky absolute

Reasons to buy

+
Comforting, warm scent 
+
Great for winter
+
Impressive longevity 

Reasons to avoid

-
May be too heavy for some 

Inspired by smooth, flavourful whisky, The Gentleman Réserve Privée Eau de Parfum from Givenchy is a rich and boozy number that’s perfectly suited to a man with mature tastes. Beautifully balanced, the fragrance combines delicate florals with warming woods and fresh bergamot. At first, expect to be struck by a strong, boozy scent that soon makes way for a warm and comforting base where deep woods and chestnut steal the show. And it's this cozy base that lingers on the skin - getting better over time. While it may be too strong for summer, this is a great choice for the cold, winter months. 

Sparkling citrus

Valentino Born In Roma Yellow Dream EDT

(Image credit: Valentino)

11. Valentino Born In Roma Yellow Dream EDT

Best overall men’s citrus cologne

Specifications

RRP: $80/£55 for 50ml
Fragrance style: spicy and zesty
Key notes: mandarin, pineapple, baked gingerbread

Reasons to buy

+
Surprising fragrance
+
A brand he might not have considered
+
Juicy and delicious

Reasons to avoid

-
The bottle is quite heavy

There are lots of citrus notes in this fragrance making it quite zingy in nature, but they are paired with an equal amount of spice from ingredients like gingerbread and cinnamon, which create quite a warmth. It’s a fragrance that has the sophistication that older men might be after and a vibrancy that will appeal to younger guys too. Oh, and let's not forget that incredible studded bottle, which has visual drama aplenty.    

Clinique Happy Cologne Spray

(Image credit: Clinique)

12. Clinique Happy Cologne Spray

Best budget men’s citrus cologne

Specifications

RRP: $59/£44 for 50ml
Fragrance style: crisp citrus
Key notes: kaffir lime, mandarin, yuzu

Reasons to buy

+
Range of products with this scent 
+
It’s a classic
+
Mood-boosting 

Reasons to avoid

-
He’ll never wear anything else

Launched in 1999, this is a fragrance that has stood the test of time and for good reason. It is perfectly balanced; not too heavy, not too light, not too musky but not too sweet either. It’s the perfect amount of a little bit of everything and that makes it ultra-wearable for all ages and types. Of course, if you or whoever you are buying for like to push boundaries with scent and smell like nothing else then this might not suit. But as a nicely composed option many will love we can't fault it. 

Jo Loves Pomelo A Fragrance

(Image credit: Jo Loves)

13. Jo Loves Pomelo A Fragrance

Best mouth watering citrus cologne

Specifications

RRP: $100/£75 for 50ml
Fragrance style: fresh citrus
Key notes: pomelo, fresh grass, grapefruit, vetiver

Reasons to buy

+
Parfum strength so lasts well
+
Ultra juicy and citrussy
+
Energising aroma 
+
Unisex  

Reasons to avoid

-
Could be too fruity for some

It would be difficult to catch a whiff of this ultra-juicy and crisp scent without smiling. It is citrus overload with pomelo, grapefruit, fresh grassy notes, and a mossy green vetiver base. It's fresh, aromatic, and would be as popular with women as men. Citrus notes don't tend to last as long on the skin as others do, but including them here at high parfum-level concentrations gives this cologne a fighting chance of getting through the day. Obviously, anyone who isn't a fan of citrus need not apply, but otherwise, this is a modern, delicious scent and a total winner. 

Paco Rabanne Phantom EDT

(Image credit: Paco Rabanne)

14. Paco Rabanne Phantom EDT

Best innovative men’s citrus cologne

Specifications

RRP: $75/£55 for 50ml
Fragrance style: energising aromatic
Key notes: styrallyl acetate, lemon peel oil, lavender

Reasons to buy

+
The first of its kind tech 
+
Mood-boosting ingredients
+
Bottle will make you smile

Reasons to avoid

-
Could be too tech heavy for some

This fragrance is one of the first to utilize technology in its creation and delivery like no other. In terms of the juice, it contains a molecule called styrallyl acetate. It has been used in perfume before but normally in small amounts. Here it has been used with ten times the normal amount. The scent was then tested on young men, using A.I. technology, to find out which emotions it aroused in the brain. The creators discovered it made them feel good, more confident, and more energetic. Bringing new meaning to the power of perfume. Then there’s the bottle. By simply holding your smartphone up to the robot’s head you become immediately connected to the Phantom world where you can play games, learn the Phantom robot dance. But perhaps more importantly than all of that, it smells good. It smells really good.

Prada Luna Rossa Ocean

(Image credit: Prada)

15. Prada Luna Rossa Ocean EDT

Best understated men’s citrus cologne

Specifications

RRP: $75/£54 for 50ml
Fragrance style: leathery citrus
Key notes: citrus cocktail, lavender, vetiver

Reasons to buy

+
Simple and elegant
+
Not trying to be trendy
+
Ultra classy for gifting

Reasons to avoid

-
Citrus lovers might want more zing

Prada is the brand that excels in understated elegance and this cologne is true to that. It’s citrus by nature but it’s not an overwhelming zesty scent. There’s a subtlety and quietness to it, thanks to the vetiver and lavender, that make it modern and classic. Brooding and mysterious actor, Jake Gyllenhaal is the face of the fragrance and we can’t think of anyone that embodies this scent more than him.  

Best men's cologne from Escentric Molecules

(Image credit: Escentric Molecules)

16. Escentric Molecules M+ Molecule 01 + Mandarin

Best unique men’s citrus cologne

Specifications

RRP: $145/£95 for 100ml
Fragrance style: Citrus
Key notes: Mandarin orange, Iso E Super

Reasons to buy

+
Fresh and uplifting scent
+
Unique fragrance
+
Not overpowering 

Reasons to avoid

-
Moderate longevity 

If it’s a fresh, clean scent that you’re after, turn your nose to this citrus number from Escentric Molecules. Combining the original Molecule 01 scent with mandarin, this fragrance has a juicy, fresh opening that gradually mellows to the original warm and woody base. A definite crowd pleaser, this simple scent is easy to wear, lightweight, and ultra-chic. The best part? It melds with your own skin’s chemistry to create something entirely unique – so even if your friends already have this fragrance, it will smell different on you. 

Best men's cologne from Acqua di Parma

(Image credit: Acqua di Parma)

17. Acqua di Parma Colonia Futura Eau de Cologne

Best natural men’s citrus cologne

Specifications

RRP: $100/£84 for 50ml
Fragrance style: Fougere aromatic
Key notes: Bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, pink pepper, clary sage, lavender, vetiver

Reasons to buy

+
Fresh and distinctive 
+
Good longevity 
+
Contains natural ingredients

Reasons to avoid

-
Unique scent, not for everyone

Blended with 99% natural origin ingredients, this lively scent combines fresh bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit with spicy pink pepper and aromatic clary sage. Green and clean, this scent starts off with a citrus burst before it becomes more herbal and earthy. It's not at all sweet, in fact, this scent errs on the soapy side. While the herbal dry-down may not be for everyone, this is a good everyday fragrance that smells sophisticated and modern. As for longevity, we would describe it as moderate, lasting on the skin for approximately six hours. 

Musky and sexy

YSL Y Le Parfum

(Image credit: YSL)

18. YSL Y Le Parfum

Best musky men’s cologne overall

Specifications

RRP: $120/£72 for 60ml
Fragrance style: clean and sexy
Key notes: black cedarwood, lavender, grapefruit

Reasons to buy

+
Lenny Kravitz is the face (who doesn't want to smell like him?)
+
The LBD of male fragrance
+
Too cool for school bottle

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be too strong for some

Dark and powerful is how this fragrance is described by the brand, and we'd go along with that. As it is a parfum, it is a more potent version of both the EDT and EDP versions so would make one of the best men’s cologne options for those who like intensity and fragrances that last. There are still moments of delicacy, thanks to the lavender and grapefruit. It’s a great buy for the stylish man in your life regardless of age. 

Gucci Guilty Parfum

(Image credit: Gucci)

19. Gucci Guilty Parfum

Best seductive musky men’s cologne

Specifications

RRP: $98/£52 for 50ml
Fragrance style: aromatic fougère
Key notes: pink pepper, Italian lemon, orange blossom

Reasons to buy

+
This is one sexy scent 
+
Transcends all ages
+
Lasts for ages on skin

Reasons to avoid

-
If there's such thing as too sexy, this is it

If you’re looking for a new scent for your partner to add a little ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your lives, look no further. This gorgeous scent is masculine but contains ingredients that have always typically been reserved for female perfumes, such as orange blossom, which makes it extra special and stops it from being too intense. It is sugary but not sickly and when it dries down there’s an almost incense-like quality to it. He’ll smell great in it and you’ll love smelling it on him. Win-win. 

LE LION DE CHANEL EDP

(Image credit: Chanel)

20. LE LION DE CHANEL EDP

The best 'blow the budget' musky men's cologne

Specifications

RRP: £169 for 75ml
Fragrance style: warm and heady
Key notes: labdanum, amber, leather, sandalwood

Reasons to buy

+
Statement fragrance 
+
Beautiful, giant bottle 
+
Warm and wintery

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for tight budgets

You can always rely on the best Chanel perfumes to make an impact and this, the latest in the ultra-luxe Les Exclusifs de Chanel line, is just that—impactful. With a name like Le Lion this was never going to be a wallflower perfume, was it? Instead the deep, rich, and warming scent blends an amber cistus labdanum blend with animalistic leather, creamy sandalwood, and a sparkly citrus top. All of this comes at an investment price, of course, but if you can afford to splash out this is a modern icon in the making. 

Dolce & Gabbana The One For Men Gold

(Image credit: D&G)

21. Dolce & Gabbana The One For Men Gold

Best designer musky men’s cologne

Specifications

RRP: $98/£77 for 75ml
Fragrance style: aromatic and spicy
Key notes: amber, patchouli, vetiver

Reasons to buy

+
If he loves the original, he will love this
+
Visually appealing with a nice flash of gold
+
Well balanced scent

Reasons to avoid

-
Might have had enough of ‘The One’

Whilst this is a musky scent, the amber and patchouli are heady base notes in this, there is a lot of zest and citrus which lifts it up and makes it sparkle. It’s the sort of fragrance that everyone will like, which is why the franchise has proved so popular, but with that gold bottle, it perhaps makes the perfect gift for the man in your life that lives with a little bit of extra flair. 

Best men's cologne from Penhaligon's

(Image credit: Penhaligon's)

22. Penhaligon's Halfeti Eau de Parfum

Best mysterious musky men’s cologne

Specifications

RRP: £185 for 100ml
Fragrance style: Amber woody
Key notes: Cardamom, bergamot, Bulgarian rose, sandalwood

Reasons to buy

+
Rich woody-floral fragrance
+
Dark and mysterious 
+
Beautiful bottle

Reasons to avoid

-
May be too spicy for some

Penhaligon’s fragrances always tell a story, and this best-seller is no exception. Inspired by the precious goods traded with Turkey (including spices, soft leather, and exotic flowers), this fragrance takes its name from the small Turkish village of Halfeti, where black roses bloom on the banks of the Euphrates river. To capture their scent, perfumer Christian Provenzano combined Bulgarian rose with citrus fruits alongside spices, woods and musk. It’s bold, mysterious, and packs a spicy punch.

Best men's cologne from Atelier Cologne

(Image credit: Atelier Cologne)

23. Atelier Cologne Musc Imperial Cologne

Best musky men’s cologne for summer

Specifications

RRP: $140/£99 for 100ml
Fragrance style: Woody floral
Key notes: Blackcurrant, bergamot, clary sage, fig, leather and lavender

Reasons to buy

+
Long-lasting scent 
+
Fruity and woody 
+
Great for summer

Reasons to avoid

-
Moderate silage

Inspired by a visit to the Majestic Hotel and Spa in Barcelona, this sunny scent is designed to evoke the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and lavish hotel surroundings. Warm, sensual, and seriously addictive – this fragrance features musk accord coupled with lavender, fig, and leather accord. We love how well-rounded this scent is, and how well it strikes the perfect balance between fresh and woody. It'll make a great pick as the warmer days fade into cozier fall vibes, we can imagine the wearer spritzing this onto a cream linen suit. 

Fresh and aromatic

Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey

(Image credit: Issey Miyake)

24. Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey EDP

Best fresh men’s cologne overall

Specifications

RRP: $109/£48 for 75ml
Fragrance style: woody aquatic
Key notes: Yuzu, coriander, nutmeg

Reasons to buy

+
He may already be a devotee
+
You cannot go wrong with this scent
+
Clean and sparkly aroma

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be over-familiar to some

If ever there was a scent that encapsulated the 90s, surely this is it. Launched in 1992 L’Eau d’Issey has been selling strongly ever since and for good reason. This is a great fragrance that suits everyone whether you’re buying it for your husband, son, nephew, or boss. It’s not too flashy, too overbearing but it still says something. It’s not boring. It’s a classic scent that mixes a bit of citrus, with the right amount of spice and woodiness. In short, it’s wonderful. 

L'Occitane Bois Flotte

(Image credit: L'Occitane)

25. L'Occitane Bois Flotte

Best aquatic fresh men’s cologne

Specifications

RRP: $102/£75 for 75ml
Fragrance style: spicy aquatic
Key notes: Driftwood, cedarwood, sea salt

Reasons to buy

+
Beautifully balanced
+
Fresh yet spicy 
+
Evokes the Meditteranean

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a big designer name

L'Occitane may be better known for skin and bodycare products (deliciously scented ones at that) but this Provence-founded maison should not be overlooked for perfumery. This men's cologne is a great example of what this brand does so well – evocative, fresh and uncomplicated, yet very classy scent. 

The notes are breezy and aquatic, with Mediterranean sea-inspired driftwood, sea salt, nutmeg and moss, making this a perfect choice for warmer months and holidays. It also has a sweet and herbal dry down from rosemary and bourbon, giving it a sexy kick that lingers on the skin. The balance is perfect and this cologne wouldn't alienate anyone young or old, so it would be a nice option for gifting too. 

Dior Sauvage Elixir

(Image credit: Dior)

26. Dior Sauvage Elixir

Best luxury fresh men’s cologne

Specifications

RRP: $155/£112 for 60ml
Fragrance style: spicy fresh
Key notes: lavender, grapefruit, liquorice

Reasons to buy

+
Classic and sophisticated
+
Good staying power
+
Great for parties

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be a bit too strong for some

This is a brilliantly spicy fragrance that has some serious potency so once it’s sprayed, it lingers on the skin all day. And once the abundance of aromatic notes has dried down you do get a very subtle zesty note come through thanks to the yuzu, which lifts it. There is an older man’s sophistication to this but it would make a great ‘evening only’ option for a younger guy too. Also, much like any of the scents on this list it really needn't conform to gender norms, if you are a fan of spicy scents, it will also make one of the best Dior perfumes for women too. 

Carolina Herrera Bad Boy EDT

(Image credit: Carolina Herrera)

27. Carolina Herrera Bad Boy EDT

Best surprising fresh men’s cologne

Specifications

RRP: $76/£55 for 50ml
Fragrance style: spicy aromatic
Key notes: black and white pepper, sage, cocoa

Reasons to buy

+
Smells like summer 
+
Unique design
+
Peppery notes bring sophistication

Reasons to avoid

-
The bottle won’t be everyone’s cup of tea

It’s hard to not judge a book by its cover and that’s true of fragrances and their bottles. There will be some that will adore the funky, lightning bolt-inspired design, but there might be those that would look at it and assume it’s not for them, which is a shame. Because the juice inside truly works for all. The heavier notes of pepper and cedarwood give it a heaviness and sophistication but there is also green bergamot that adds a lightness that makes it smell like sunshine in a lightning bolt.    

Jo Loves Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar

(Image credit: Jo Loves)

28. Jo Loves Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar Parfum

Best unique fresh men’s cologne

Specifications

RRP: $100/£75 for 50ml
Fragrance style: vibrant aromatic
Key notes: blue grapefruit, geranium, cedar wood

Reasons to buy

+
A very happy scent
+
Everyone will want to know what it is
+
Cool cult brand

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be too unique for some noses

Created by the legendary Jo Malone during lockdown to celebrate freedom and living life, this is all those wonderful feelings in a bottle. The grapefruit adds some zing to set it apart from the cedarwood and it's the master craftsmanship that you get when you buy a Jo Loves fragrance that sets this apart from anything else. Quite simply because there is nothing else out there that smells anything like this. 

Best men's cologne from Tom Ford

(Image credit: Tom Ford)

29. Tom Ford Costa Azzurra Eau de Parfum

Best summer fresh men’s cologne

Specifications

RRP: 195/£108 for 50ml
Fragrance style: Aromatic aquatic
Key notes: Driftwood, lemon, cypress, oak

Reasons to buy

+
Refreshing light scent
+
Smells like summer
+
Not overpowering 

Reasons to avoid

-
Citrus notes fade as it dries down

Be transported to sunnier climes with this refreshing Tom Ford blend. Cool, salty with a citrus kick to boot, this sunny scent captures sun-drenched skin at the peak of summer. In the words of Tom Ford himself, “Costa Azzurra Parfum is a deeper expression of the original scent, capturing the feel of a hedonistic Mediterranean escape. I think we all need an escape right now.” We couldn't agree more. In terms of notes, bright lemon and mandarin combine with salty seaweed and earthy oak to create this warming concoction.

Best men's cologne from Acqua di Parma

(Image credit: Aqua di Parma)

30. Acqua di Parma Colonia C.L.U.B Eau de Cologne

Best aromatic fresh men's cologne

Specifications

RRP: $96/£84 for 50ml
Fragrance style: Aromatic woody musk
Key notes: Bergamot, lemon, pink pepper, black pepper, rosemary, cedarwood, musk

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive longevity 
+
Fresh, clean scent 
+
Not overpowering 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not ultra-complex for the price point

If it’s a green, aromatic and fresh fragrance that you’re after, turn your nose to this new scent from Acqua di Parma. Light-hearted and uplifting, this eau de cologne opens with a citrus burst of bergamot and lemon laced with punchy black pepper and aromatic rosemary. After three hours or so, the fragrance settles on the skin and transforms into a light and woody scent that’s seriously moreish. A great pick for summer through autumn – this scent is distinctive without being overpowering and has a dewy freshness that lingers all day long. 


How to choose the best men's cologne

  • Find out what they wear now: “The best piece of advice I could give when buying fragrance for someone else, is to find out what they already like,” advises Niamh Butler, head of training for Space NK. “It’s tempting to buy what you like the smell of, but you run this risk of them never wearing it.” Just make sure the scent you find is one he regularly wears. If you find something gathering dust in a drawer and wonder do perfumes expire the answer is yes, so it wouldn't be wise to base your choice on that.
  • Learn fragrance strengths: “The difference between an EDT and EDP is that there is a higher concentration of fragrance oil in an EDP. Therefore it will be more expensive but it will last longer on the skin. The EDT will be less expensive but need topping up,” explains Karen Harris, head of marketing for The Perfume Shop. “Aftershave has around 80-90% alcohol content and a low percentage of oils so it’s soothing to apply directly onto the skin post-shave. Cologne is another low concentration. They are great for every day, but with only  5% aromatic compounds the scent will fade quicker.”
  • Think about scent families: Finding out the ‘types’ of scents they like is more valuable than the specific notes contained within them. This is because perfumes are created like individual recipes, so even two bottles with the same notes can smell completely different. “There are some common fragrance families, which are citrus, green and fresh, woody and spicy,” explains Butler. “By staying in the same fragrance family as to something they already wear, you’re more likely to give them something they like.” 

Sarah-Jane Corfield-Smith
Freelance Beauty Director

Sarah-Jane Corfield-Smith has worked in the beauty industry for more than 15 years and, as well as woman&home, has contributed to titles such as Stylist, The Daily Mail and The Times.

As a mum of two little girls she has limited time to spend on herself, so if you’re looking for hard-working multi-tasking products, she’s the one in the know.

Her top three products she has on her at all times are a glow-giving tinted moisturizer, brow pencil and a tinted lip balm. Oh, and she’s never far away from a hydrating face mist.

With contributions from